Visas and Entry Requirements
To travel to the United States, you will need to obtain a visa or, if you are a citizen of a country included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), apply for ESTA authorization. Citizens of Spain, Chile, Japan, South Korea, and most European countries can apply for ESTA.
We recommend starting the visa process at least 6 months before the World Cup. During major sporting events, embassies typically experience a significant increase in applications.
Required documents: valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), completed DS-160 form, recent photo, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation reservation.
Flights and Main Airports
The United States has multiple international airports near host cities. The main hubs are:
- New York (JFK, EWR, LGA): Main entry point from Europe. MetLife Stadium is 30 minutes from Manhattan.
- Los Angeles (LAX): Gateway from Asia and Oceania. SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, 20 minutes from the airport.
- Miami (MIA): Ideal for travelers from Latin America. Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens.
- Dallas (DFW): Central American Airlines hub. AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, 45 minutes away.
- Atlanta (ATL): The world's busiest airport. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is downtown.
Tip: book your flights at least 4-6 months in advance for better prices. Flights during the World Cup will be in high demand.
Accommodation: Options and Budgets
Accommodation will be one of the biggest expenses of your trip. Here are the most common options:
Hotels
Hotel prices during the World Cup will increase significantly. Budget $150-400 USD per night for a 3-4 star hotel near stadiums. Book as early as possible.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
A more economical alternative, especially for groups. You can find complete apartments from $80-150 USD per night. The advantage is having your own kitchen to save on meals.
Hostels
Budget option for solo travelers. In cities like Los Angeles, New York, or Miami, there are hostels from $40-70 USD per night in shared dorms.
Transportation Between Host Cities
The United States is a huge country and you will need to carefully plan how to move between cities:
Domestic Flights
The fastest option for long distances. Airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit offer competitive fares if you book in advance. A coast-to-coast flight (NY-LA) takes approximately 5.5 hours.
Trains (Amtrak)
Ideal for the northeast corridor (Boston-NY-Philadelphia-Washington). The Acela Express service comfortably connects these cities. For other routes, trains can be slow but scenic.
Car Rental
The most flexible option to explore at your own pace. Remember you will need an international driving license and traffic in big cities can be intense. Budget $50-100 USD per day for a compact car.
Buses (Greyhound, FlixBus)
The most economical option for medium distances. Modern buses have WiFi and outlets. A trip from NY to Boston costs approximately $30-50 USD.
Estimated Daily Budget
Here is an approximate daily budget according to your travel style:
- Budget: $100-150 USD/day (hostel, fast food, public transport)
- Mid-range: $200-300 USD/day (3-star hotel, casual restaurants, some taxi)
- Luxury: $400-600 USD/day (4-5 star hotel, good restaurants, private transport)
Add to this the cost of match tickets, which vary by phase and stadium.
Practical Tips
- Bring a power adapter: The US uses Type A/B plugs (120V)
- Tips are mandatory: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country
- Prices don't include tax (add 6-10% depending on state)
- Get travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage (healthcare is very expensive)
Best Time to Book
The ideal time to make your reservations is 6 to 9 months before the World Cup. Flight and hotel prices will start to rise significantly from March 2026.
Stay tuned for FIFA ticket sales and make sure to buy only through official channels to avoid fraud.
